Fanciful Found Object Centerpiece

For the next few weeks, you will find some simple and inexpensive Holiday decorating tips here. Before we get to the good stuff, just a disclaimer: please be sure to observe safety guidelines on all equipment and tools used. This means protective eye wear or gloves when called for, following the product/tools instructions, working in a well ventilated space, avoiding contact with skin and/or eye areas, not using a product for other than intended use, etc. Severing a finger sort of puts a damper on Holiday celebrations. Also, I am not responsible for any injuries/damages you may suffer or incur as a result of your crafty experimentations.

Now, that being said, let's move on to the fun!

Found Object Centerpieces


Materials: Any of the following~ plate/tray/wide/shallow bowl/vase, branch(es), spray paint, rocks, glitter, gems,  photo frame, garden figure, porcelain figure, snow globe, candles,  pine cones, marbles, glass beads, ornaments, coffee beans, sand, floral picks, feathers… Endless possibilities!

Cost: $0 - what ever, if you purchase items instead of using FOUND ones.

Time: Half hour 

Level: Super Easy!

Choose the base for your display, such as a platter, tray, shallow bowl, vase, or grouping of three. Place candles, snow globe, or figure in the center, or off to one side. Add other objects, such as ornaments, pine cones, smaller figures, and/or smaller candles around. Try to think of a triangle when arranging them; there should be one high point that cascades down in to the next lower focal point, then down to the third. Odd numbered groupings are the most pleasing to the eye, so three or five works best. Fill in the bottom of the container with sand, coffee beans, marbles, gems, or small glass rocks. You can even weave ribbon through; just be sure anything flammable is kept well away from flame if you are using lit candles. An excellent alternative is an LED candle, as it never melts and can be used over and over again. Another option is to go to the thrift store, and find a figurine or statue. This can be hideous looking in terms of coloring as long as it has good lines. Take a can of spray paint and have at the figure; use a good 8 - 12" distance and sweeping strokes to keep the paint from forming drips. Seal the new color with a high gloss or matte finish spray, like Krylon. Have fun!
(Pictures coming soon!)

Welcome!

Happy Thanksgiving!

First post to the new blog, and I am so excited! Some of you may have been following already on Facebook; thank you for coming over to check this out! Your support is truly appreciated. The blog will bring much needed space for posting step by step instructions on projects, as well as pictures so you can follow along with when making your own creations. As always, if you find something that supports the ideals of Fantastic Frugalista, please share it!

Fall has quickly given away to winter here on the west coast, and the season of shopping madness is now upon us. Retailers are hosting super sales tomorrow, and I know many of you will be out there snapping up the bargains. Sears, Walmart, K-Mart, and Old Navy, are even open today, Thanksgiving! There are going to be additional sales and bargains on Saturday and Sunday as retailers tempt us to open our wallets and help them get their sales back on track. I suggest making lists of who you need to shop for, a few items they would appreciate, and setting a price cap for each person before heading out into the madness; it will help you stay organized, as well as keep you from going over your budget. It really isn't much of a sale if the person you are giving it to won't appreciate it or doesn't need it, even if it is cheap.

November 27th is National Small Business Day. Local and small businesses are going to be offering sales and give aways to entice locals to support them. It will be a great day to get thoughtful, personalized gifts as well as a way to put funds into the US economy. If you are looking for a place to purchase hand crafted items, check out Etsy. They have something for everyone on your list.

Please keep checking back for updates, as I will be posting decorating and craft ideas, ways to save money on your holiday shopping, and blogs about getting financially fit, building a budget, and dealing with debt. If you need a financial intervention, but still want to look fabulous and live the good life, stay tuned!

~Fantastic Frugalista